Irom Sharmila continued her fast unto death on Wednesday in Imphal, entering the 15th year of her protest demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958. She began her fast on November 4, 2000.
Activists and supporters marked the day with fasts and sit-in protests.
Members of the Save Sharmila Group sat on a fast at their office at Porompat in support of her campaign. The protesters, from various women’s organisations, staged a sit-in at Lamyanba Shanglen in Imphal. Several activists, including human rights campaigners from abroad, were present. Demanding that the government should lift the draconian law, the activists vowed to mobilise global support for her cause.
Human rights activist, Ramani of the Save Sharmila Group, said she wanted to know why the “educated sections” are traumatising the peace-loving people. Despite the imposition of the AFSPA there are bloody incidents almost every day, she said adding though Ms. Sharmila has been fasting for 14 years, the government has not taken any serious note on the issue.
Film personalities from the State also marked the day by joining a sit-in at Lamphel. They said that the Film Forum Manipur is planning a biopic on Ms. Sharmila.
Students of Ananda Singh Academy in Imphal east district also launched a protest with a token fasting on the day.
